Making Room for Everyone. Bill Gordh

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СКАЧАТЬ to accomplish achange. Chapter 15 Trapped Birds India Sometimes a group can accomplish whatan individual cannot. PART FOUR Stories of Faith, New Life, and Celebration Heritage Chapter 16 Inchworm Mountain Miwok Persistence pays off. (Native American) Chapter 17 The Ax of Gold Greece A poor man is rewarded for his honesty. Chapter 18 A Night of Peace Scotland There is a chance for peace in the world. Chapter 19 King Solomon and the First Temple Jewish Choosing a place to gather: sacred space. Chapter 20 The Fastest Southern Africa Compassion leads to more compassion. Chapter 21 The Town of Good Fortune Jewish Let’s look anew at what we have. Chapter 22 Time Will Tell Middle East Trust in the ways of life. PART FIVE Stories of the Value of All Living Things Heritage Chapter 23 Little Ant and the Lion King Myanmar Big and little alike are valuable in this world. Chapter 24 The Crow Ship Central South America The dangers of pre-judging. Chapter 25 The Cracked Pot China Everyone has value. Chapter 26 The Bunyip Australia A story of honoring animals in their habitats. Chapter 27 The Calabash Children West Africa Every child has value. Chapter 28 Adilah and the White Snake North Africa May kindness be our guide. Chapter 29 Companion Tales The value of the elderly. A Ride Up the Hill Korea A Thatched Roof Vietnam PART SIX Stories of Giving and Forgiving Heritage Chapter 30 The Boy Who Wanted a Drum India Considering the needs of others. Chapter 31 From Bread to Roses Italy Generosity can turn a life around. Chapter 32 Three Loaves of Bread Jewish Generosity is repaid. Chapter 33 The Honey Pot Arabic What each of us does makes a difference. Chapter 34 Shoulda Done Better Original Asking for forgiveness leads the way to amends. Chapter 35 The Lion and the Boy Ethiopia How our words can wound. PART SEVEN The Songbook Chapter 36 Introduction to The Songbook Chapter 37 About the Songs Chapter 38 The Shelter Island Songs: Outlines for Family Services Chapter 39 Songs with Lyrics and Notation Acknowledgments

FOREWORD

      The chapel service at the Episcopal School of New York is about to begin. A sense of anticipation is palpable: parents are gathering, and children and their teachers are entering the chapel space. In the front of the room sits Bill Gordh, calmly playing music on his banjo. His face glows with a sense of welcome; so, too, he communicates to both adult and child that this is a distinctive time and space, in stark contrast to the “business as usual” that can quickly fill up the day of those now gathering here, in this moment. As Bill quietly and devotedly sets the tone, he in turn is sensing the tone of the group, picking up cues regarding mood, worry, and preoccupation. Some of the children point to their artwork, which Bill will use in the chapel service. This is both a very happy time as well as a serious time.

      As the chapel service begins, Bill establishes an atmosphere of reverence, empathy, and, above all, welcome. Children and adults both feel that sense of welcome: they have come to associate this chapel space and service with a clear sense of belonging, regardless of their religious affiliation or no affiliation at all. To believer and nonbeliever alike, something important is happening here. Thanks to Bill’s masterful leadership, not to mention sheer hard work and careful preparation, chapel at the Episcopal School is an experience that those gathered have come to look forward to, as they know something out of the ordinary is about to take place.

      As Bill leads the group in song, then tells a story, he displays an adeptness at connecting with his congregation. He knows the developmental and spiritual needs of children, he understands not only how to keep their attention, but to involve them in the story he is telling. As is the case with so many children’s chapels, one child shouts out something surprising, perhaps distracting, but Bill knows not only how to respond, but how to include that child’s observation into the wondrous web of story and song he is developing.

      Bill Gordh stands firmly within the oral tradition that lies at the base of our biblical faith. He communicates through story the elements of grace, mercy, and hope that the biblical writers have gifted us. At the same time, Bill has developed a unique talent for incorporating folktales from throughout the world into his chapel repertoire. His sense of inclusion and a wide embrace СКАЧАТЬ